Auto topples, woman hurt

A woman travelling in an autorickshaw suffered multiple fractures after the vehicle toppled apparently in an attempt to avoid hitting a cycle on Rashbehari Avenue on Friday morning.

Sumitra Haldar, 25, a resident of Narendrapur on the southern fringe of the city, suffered fractures in her left collarbone and an upper rib.

Haldar boarded a Chetla-bound auto at Gariahat around 7.45am to reach her employer’s home, where she works as a help.

Police sources said the auto was ferrying four passengers and Haldar was sitting beside the driver.

“While the auto was speeding down Rashbehari Avenue, a cyclist had suddenly emerged from Jatin Bagchi Road and came in front of the three-wheeler. The auto driver apparently swerved to steer clear of the cycle, which resulted in the three-wheeler losing its balance and turning on its side,” said an officer of the southeast traffic guard, under whose jurisdiction falls the accident site.

As the auto toppled, Haldar was sandwiched between the road and the vehicle’s steering handle. Cops said the other passengers escaped unhurt.

Haldar was taken to the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Prathisthan on Sarat Bose Road, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors said her condition was stable.

“Sumitra Haldar suffered fractures in the left collarbone and an upper rib. Besides, there were several cuts and bruises. We haven’t found any symptom of internal haemorrhage,” said Kishore Chowdhury, the doctor treating Sumitra.

The driver could not be tracked down till late on Friday. The police have started a case of rash and negligent driving against the driver and also charged him under a section related to causing grievous hurt by act of endangering human life.

If convicted, he can jailed for up to two years.

Accidents

An SUV carrying BPO employees collided with a Honda City at the Karunamoyee crossing in Salt Lake around 2.30am on Friday. Nine people sustained injuries. An hour later, a woman died after being hit by a vehicle at the Taratala crossing.

CESC service

CESC will carry out maintenance job at its Amherst Street distribution station on Sunday.